While Weston-super-Mare is blessed with a beautiful stretch of coastline, enjoying a seaside paddle on a hot day isn’t the only way to enjoy some watery fun in our part of the world. Take a look at our list of 10 ways to enjoy yourself in the water...

Weston Mercury: You can cool off from the hot sun by taking a dip in the sea at Weston beach.You can cool off from the hot sun by taking a dip in the sea at Weston beach. (Image: Archant)

1 – MARINE LAKE

Weston’s wonderful enclosed lake means even when low tide strikes, there is still somewhere safe and inviting to paddle. Marine Lake is located at the northern end of Weston Bay and Knightstone Causeway, which straddles the lake, is the perfect place to photograph one of Weston’s unforgettable sunsets.

Weston Mercury: Paddleboarders on Weston's Marine Lake.Paddleboarders on Weston's Marine Lake. (Image: Archant)

2- THE SEA

Weston Bay has the second highest tidal range in the world, but if you time your visit right then kids will love exploring the shores and getting their feet wet. A range of watersports are also available to truly make the most of your trip to the seaside.

Weston Mercury: Waterskiiers at Weston Bay.Waterskiiers at Weston Bay. (Image: Archant)

3 – BREAN SPLASH

Although technically outside of Weston, Brean Splash is the perfect place to let your kids burn off some energy in the water. Its indoor area has a 25-metre pool, a dedicated play area for younger children and a new Rainbow Rings waterslide, while its seasonal outdoor splash park has a range of slides for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Weston Mercury: Brean SplashBrean Splash (Image: Archant)

4 – WESTON’S WATER ADVENTURE PLAY PARK

This increasingly-popular seafront park gives children the chance to cool down and have fun in the water in the safest of environments. The park is owned by Weston Town Council and includes a splash pad and wooden play equipment. Adults looking to enjoy a tasty bite to eat will not fail to be disappointed by Coco’s Canteen, which opened at the site last year.

Weston Mercury: Weston-super-Mare's Water Adventure play parkWeston-super-Mare's Water Adventure play park (Image: Archant)

5 – HUTTON MOOR LEISURE CENTRE

Although improvement works have recently started at Hutton Moor, this Weston leisure centre offers a way for the kids to let off some steam without facing the seafront crowds. It boasts two good-sized pools and plans are afoot to build a second main pool at the centre in the coming years.

Weston Mercury: Hutton Moor Leisure Centre.Hutton Moor Leisure Centre. (Image: Archant)

6 – PORTISHEAD OPEN AIR POOL

Located only two junctions north of Weston on the M5, Portishead’s lido is the place to be when the temperature climbs. It includes a children’s pool with fun slides for little swimmers, while those in need of more strenuous exercise are able to burn some calories in the larger main pool.

Weston Mercury: Portishead LidoPortishead Lido (Image: Archant)

7 – MARINE LAKE CLEVEDON

Not to be confused with Weston’s Marine Lake, Clevedon’s seafront lake is home to regular festivals and water sports. The annual Tides festival is always extremely popular in the town, while organisations such as the Clevedon Sailing Club regularly practise on the lake and are always looking for new members.

Weston Mercury: Marine Lake, Clevedon.Marine Lake, Clevedon. (Image: Archant)

8 – ENJOY A BOAT TRIP

If you aren’t keen on getting in the water, Weston’s beautiful coast can still be enjoyed while keeping dry. Boat trips run regularly throughout the summer from the town to the Bristol Channel’s two islands – Steep Holm and Flat Holm – which are both rich in wildlife and history.

Weston Mercury: You can take a boat trip to Steep Holm from Weston.You can take a boat trip to Steep Holm from Weston. (Image: Archant)

9 – CHEDDAR RESERVOIR

It takes less than half an hour to drive to Cheddar Reservoir from Weston, and the scenery is well worth the trip. Although swimming is not allowed, the area is popular with picnickers and walkers – and the chances of seeing dogs splashing around in the water are fairly high too.

Weston Mercury: Sailors enjoying Cheddar Reservoir.Sailors enjoying Cheddar Reservoir. (Image: Archant)

10 – PICK YOUR PADDLE

North Somerset’s smaller rivers, such as the Yeo in the north of the district, are extremely popular with paddleboarders and kayakers throughout the year. You can hire equipment at Eden Adventure Activities, in Highbridge, and Mendip Outdoor Pursuits in Churchill.

Weston Mercury: Congresbury Weir is on the River Yeo. Photo by James Griffiths.Congresbury Weir is on the River Yeo. Photo by James Griffiths. (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)